Mary Scanlon graduated from the University of Dundee with a degree in Economics and Political Science in 1983, this was followed by a Post Graduate Diploma in Personnel Management, and membership of the Institute of Personnel Development.
Mary was a lecturer in Economics and Business Studies at Inverness College, UHI prior to her election to the Scottish Parliament in 1999 as a list MSP for the Highlands and Islands. Mary was returned as an MSP at the two subsequent elections in 2003 and 2007. In 2006 Mary was the first MSP from any party to resign her seat to fight a by-election, despite increasing the vote Mary was unsuccessful, but a year later she was back in the parliament as an MSP for the Highlands and Islands.
Mary was the Scottish Conservatives health spokesman and member of the Parliament’s health committee from 1999 – 2003. From 2003 to 2006, Mary was the Party’s communities spokesman, covering issues such as housing, planning, charities, the voluntary sector, and equality.
Following the third elections to the Scottish Parliament Mary was made Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing and is a member of the Health and Sport Committee.
Mary’s son and daughter graduated from Edinburgh and Dundee Universities in Civil Engineering and Law respectively and now both work in their professions.
Mary’s other interests include Hill-walking, Pilates, gardening and swimming.
In May 2010, Mary was appointed Shadow Minister for Public Health, Housing, Communities & Sport.